Van Gaal: Rashford did something I’d never seen

Rashford scored the only goal as United won the Manchester derby by beating bitter rivals City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Here are 16 Conclusions on the game.

Discussing the progress of his 18-year-old striker, who has now scored five goals in eight consecutive starts, Van Gaal was effusive in his praise.

“He is a real striker and that’s why I let him stay in that position,” Van Gaal told Sky Sports. “He can make goals but he’s also an attacking point and he also runs the channels.

“I like him very much but he is still 18 years old so we have to wait and see how consistent he is.

“You know that [on denied Rashford penalty appeal]. You have seen it so you can judge it. I have seen it from the bench and I think it was a penalty but you need video referees, I think.

Asked about how United targeted City’s injury-hit defence, with captain Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi sidelined, Van Gaal responded: “My players have fought to the end with cramp – Marcus Rashford could still run with cramp. I have never seen that!

“Rashford is very quick and [Martin] Demichelis looked like the years are catching up with him,” he added.

“He was a very good defender, he was my centre-back in Bayern but that is the life of football.”